Part 2:
Celebrating the festive season with your loved ones need not stress you further, irrespective of the despondent situation in Nigeria.
It can be very helpful to get tips on how to navigate this crisis-filled time this season and you’d definitely find one or two helpful tips below:
Budget:
This tip is so important. Before you start making plans on what to cook and the clothes you need to buy, you must have of budget already noted down. This helps prioritise your expenses. You can talk to your close friends and family members and explain that you’d be having a low-key celebration this year to manage expectations.
Shop Around:
Compare the prices of commodities before purchasing. Search for discounts and deals in both in walk-in stores and online. Use the last-minute sales and clearance offers to your advantage.
Skip Travelling:
This tip is for when you cannot afford to. You’re better off saving for your yearly annual trip the next year. Moreover, with the rate of kidnap cases in the country lately rising on the daily, this might be a better decision.
Gifting:
Be creative in gifting your loved ones. You don’t have to go over the top or out of budget for this one. Think of giving home-made gifts or something from your home that you think the other person might like.
Entertainment:
Netflix and chill. Seriously, binge-watch your favourite shows on the popular streaming platforms that you’re subscribed to: Amazon, Netflix, HBO, Hulu etc and enjoy the magic of Christmas from the comfort of your home. Remember you’re on a budget and the goal is to cut down unnecessary costs by all means possible.
If you’re bummed out about the probability that you’ll miss your favourite Nigerian Superstar’s Concert, there’s always the next year. Hopefully, you’ll be properly monetarily armed against ‘Sapa’ and you won’t be needing my tips on ‘hacking Christmas’.
Food:
This is definitely the second-most important tip you’d read this minute. Cook your meals yourself. If you’re unable to, YouTube is a helpful app to try. Search about popular Nigerian food bloggers and get to work. If the meals seem too pricey for your budget, (e.g. all rice meals) you can go the un-traditional route and cook your ethnic meal according to your pocket.
Some of the meals you could try out include:
- Ofada Rice and Ayamase Sauce-: This is a popular dish in Western Nigeria.
- Edikang Ikong Soup: An Efik/Ibibio variety.
- PepperSoup: Native to the Igbo tribe in Nigeria.
- Tuwo Shinkafa with Miyan Kuka: Synonymous to the northern region of Nigeria. And so much more.
Note: Celebrating Christmas on a budget shouldn’t mean that you sacrifice the joys of feasting, especially as the Nigerian varied ethnic cuisines provide a plethora of affordable and yummy options that can make your festive season economical & memorable.
Lastly, remember the reason for the season and be grateful for the little you have at the moment by spreading cheer to your loved ones, neighbours, co-workers and friends.
